Module header apparatus

ABSTRACT

A header connector apparatus is configured to receive an electronic card. The apparatus includes a body having first and second spaced apart side arms formed integrally with the body and configured to receive the card there between. The first side arm has a longitudinally extending first dovetail member. The apparatus also includes an actuator button having a longitudinally extending second dovetail member configured to mate with the first dovetail member to allow the button to move longitudinally relative to the body, and an ejector mechanism coupled to the body and the button. The ejector mechanism is configured to eject the card from the body upon longitudinal movement of the button relative to the body.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 09/529,032, filed Apr.5, 2000, now allowed, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated byreference, which is a U.S. National Stage Application of Internationalapplication serial No. PCT/US98/21292 filed Oct. 9, 1998, which claimspriority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/063,476 filed Oct.10, 1997.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved header apparatus forreceiving a PCMCIA module or card to make electrical connection with thecard. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improvedejector mechanism for such header apparatus and an improved actuator foruse with electrical connectors.

Memory cards, chip cards, or smart cards are typically data inputdevices, which are connected to an electronic apparatus such as apersonal computer or a telephone. The data stored in the memory card istransferable into the electronic apparatus through an electricalconnector coupled to the apparatus. The cards are movable from oneapparatus to another.

Once the cards are inserted into a header connector, the cards have arelatively high extraction force to remove the cards from the headerconnectors. Therefore, several types of ejector mechanisms have beendeveloped to remove the cards from the header connectors.

The present invention provides an improved ejector system for use with acard header connector. The header connector includes a main insulativeframe. A push rod actuator or button is slidably coupled to one side ofthe frame. No separate rivets or pins are required to couple the buttonto the connector body or to a separate ejector mechanism which isactuated by the button. The ejector mechanism also does not require pegsor fasteners to secure the ejector to the body of the connector.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a header connectorapparatus is configured to receive an electronic card. The apparatusincludes a body having first and second spaced apart side arms formedintegrally with the body and configured to receive the cardtherebetween. The first side arm has a longitudinally extending firstdovetail member. The apparatus also includes an actuator button having alongitudinally extending second dovetail member configured to mate withthe first dovetail member to allow the button to move longitudinallyrelative to the body, and an ejector mechanism coupled to the body andthe button. The ejector mechanism is configured to eject the card fromthe body upon longitudinal movement of the button relative to the body.

In the illustrated embodiment, the ejector mechanism includes a pivotcam configured to engage the body so that movement of the buttonrelative to the body causes the ejector mechanism to pivot about thepivot cam to eject the card. The illustrated button includes a notch andthe, ejector mechanism includes a flange. The notch is configured toreceive a portion of the flange therein to couple the button to theejector mechanism.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a header connectorapparatus is configured to receive an electronic card. The apparatusincludes a body having first and second spaced apart side armsconfigured to receive the card therebetween. The body is formed toinclude an opening adjacent the second arm. The apparatus also includesa button coupled to the first arm. The button is configured to moverelative to the first arm. The button is formed to include a notchportion. The apparatus further includes an ejector mechanism havingfirst and second opposite flanges. The first flange is located in thenotch portion of the button to couple the ejector mechanism to thebutton. The second flange extends through the opening formed in the bodyadjacent the second arm. The ejector mechanism also has a pivot campositioned between the first and second flanges so that movement of thebutton causes the ejector mechanism to pivot about the pivot cam toeject the card.

In the illustrated embodiment, the body includes a curved portionconfigured to receive the pivot cam. The pivot cam has a curved outersurface and the curved portion of the body has substantially the sameradius as the outer surface of the pivot cam.

The illustrated body is formed to include a lip located between thefirst and second side arms. The lip is configured to extend over an edgeof the ejector mechanism adjacent the cam. The illustrated ejectormechanism also includes a downwardly extending tab configured to engagean end edge of the card to eject the card from the header and anupturned front edge.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first flange includes a downwardlyextending portion located in the notch and an outwardly extendingportion located below the button. The opening in the body portion isformed by an elongated bar. The second flange is formed to include adownwardly extending portion extending through the opening and anoutwardly extending portion extending under the bar.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an actuatorbutton apparatus is provided for an electrical connector. The apparatusincludes a first member coupled to the connector for movement relativeto the connector to an actuation position, and a pressing part coupledto the first member. The pressing part is configured to be engaged by anoperator to move the first member and the pressing part relative to theconnector.

In the illustrated embodiment, an ejector mechanism coupled to theconnector and the first member of the button. The ejector mechanism isconfigured to eject an electronic card from the connector upon movementof the first member and the pressing part relative to the connector.

Also in the illustrated embodiment, at least one detent is formed on oneof the first member and the pressing part to secure the first member tothe pressing part upon insertion of the pressing part on to the firstmember. The illustrated detent includes a domed surface formed on thefirst member, which is configured to enter an aperture formed in thepressing part.

The pressing part includes first and second spaced apart spring arms.Each spring arm is formed to include an aperture therein. The firstmember includes upper and lower domed surfaces configured to enter theapertures in the spring arms upon insertion in the pressing part on tothe first member.

The first member is formed to include a guide bar, and the pressing partis formed to include a slot configured to slide over the guide bar ofthe first member to couple the pressing part to the first member. Theillustrated guide bar and the slot each have generally rectangularshapes. The pressing part includes at least one lead-in ramp surfaceadjacent the slot to facilitate, installation of the pressing part overthe first member.

Additional objects, features, and advantages of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description of the illustrated embodimentexemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presentlyperceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figuresin which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a header connector configuredto receive a module or card which includes an ejector apparatus forejecting the module or card;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating further details of the ejectormechanism coupled to an insulative plastic body of the connector, withthe push rod or button of the ejector being extended from the connectorbody in its position when the card is inserted into the headerconnector;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating movement ofthe ejector mechanism to eject a card;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bottom side of the header connectorwith the button extended when a card is inserted into the connector; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bottom side of the connector similarto FIG. 4 in which the button has been pushed inwardly to eject the cardfrom the connector;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention which includes a two piece button assembly for actuating theejector mechanism;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 6 in which a pressing partof the button has been coupled to a sliding part of the button;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view with portions broken away illustrating theposition of the ejector mechanism when the card is filly inserted intothe header;

FIG. 9 is a to plan view similar to FIG. 8 illustrating movement of theejector mechanism by the button to eject the card from the header;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view further illustrating the twoparts of the button assembly in which the pressing part is separatedfrom the sliding part;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 10 in which the pressingpart is installed on the sliding part of the button;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view illustrating further details of the slidingpart and pressing part of the button; and

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken through the assembled button of FIG.11 illustrating further details of the structure for coupling of thesliding part of the button to the pressing part of the button.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a header connectorapparatus 10 configured to receive a module or IC card 11. The headerconnector 10 includes an insulative plastic body 12 having integrallyformed, spaced apart side arms 14 and 16. Therefore, separate side armsdo not have to be installed on the body during assembly. Side arms 14and 16 are formed to include inwardly facing U-shaped grooves 18 and 20,respectively, which are configured to receive opposite sides 22 and 24of card 11 during insertion of the card 11 into the header connector 10.A leading end 26 of card 11 includes contacts (not shown) configured toengage terminal pins 27 (see FIG. 6) located along a contact portion 28of header connector 10 in a conventional manner.

Insulative plastic body 12 is formed to include bars 29 and 30, whichdefine openings 32 and 34 adjacent contact portion 28. The connector 10also includes an ejector mechanism 36, which is illustratively stampformed from a sheet metal material. Ejector mechanism 36 includesopposite curved flanges 38 and 40. Flange 38 includes a downwardlyextending portion 37 and an outwardly extending portion 39. Flange 40includes a downwardly extending portion 41 and an outwardly extendingportion 43. Ejector mechanism 36 also includes a downwardly extendingtab 42 which is configured to engage end 26 of card 11. Ejectormechanism 36 further includes a ramp surface 44 and pivot cam 46 whichengages a ledge 49 on the plastic body 12 as shown in FIG. 9. Inaddition, ejector mechanism 36 includes an upturned front edge 51, whichprovides structural integrity and also provides a lead-in surface forinsertion of the card 11.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, header connector 10 further includes aone-piece push rod or button 48 having a head 50 which provides anactuator for an operator to push in order to eject the card 11 from theheader connector 10 as discussed below. Side arm 14 of connector body 12is formed to include a female dovetail 52. Button 48 is formed toinclude a male dovetail 54 configured to slide within female dovetail 52to couple the button 48 to the connector body 12. No fasteners arerequired to couple the connector body 12 to the button 48. An end ofbutton 48 spaced apart from head 50 is formed to include a notch 56. Thenotch 56 is configured to receive the downwardly extending portion 37 offlange 38 therein. Outwardly extending portion 39 of flange 38 overlapsa side wall of the button 48 as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 to couplethe ejector mechanism 36 to the button 48.

The flange 38 is configured to fit over bar 28 as illustrated in FIGS. 2and 3. In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, bar 28 whichdefines the opening 32 is not provided. Instead, a solid surface 27 isformed on the connector body 12 on the side of the button 48. The flange40 is interlocked with bar 30 by insertion of the flange 40 into theopening 34 as also illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Portion 41 of flange 40extends downwardly through the opening 34. Outwardly extending portion43 of flange 40 extends under the bar 30 to couple the ejector mechanism36 to the body 12.

FIG. 2 illustrates the assembled header connector 10 in a position whenthe card 11 is fully inserted into the connector. For clarity, the card11 is not shown in FIGS. 2-5. When the card 11 is inserted, the end 26of card 11 engages the tab 24 to move the ejector 36 to the position ofFIG. 2. This causes the ejector 36 to pivot about pivot cam 46 to movethe flange 38 in the direction of arrow 60. Pivoting movement of cam 46is described below with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. Since section 37 offlange 38 is located within notch 56 of button 48, button 48 slideswithin arm 14 to an outwardly extended position shown in FIGS. 2 and 4as the flange 38 moves in the direction of arrow 60 during insertion ofthe card 11.

When it is desired to eject the card 11 from connector 10, the head 50of button 48 is pushed inwardly toward the connector body 12 in thedirection of arrow 62. This causes pivotable movement of the ejector 36about pivot cam 46 to the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. Tab 42 pushesthe end 26 of card 11 in the direction of arrow 60 to eject the card 11from the header connector 10.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the plurality of apertures 64 formed in theconnector body. The apertures 64 allow a card bus ground fingers (notshown) to make contact with a receptacle shield (not shown). The cardbus shield is configured to be positioned over the connector body 12adjacent apertures 64.

The ejector mechanism 36 of the present invention does not require theuse of separate rivets or pins to perform rotation of the ejectormechanism 36 or to couple the button 48 or ejector 36 to the connectorbody 12. This facilitates manufacture and assembly of the headerconnector 10. The header connector 10 of the present invention also hasa low profile and small outline. The dovetail ejector button 48 alsofacilitates maintaining a smaller outline of the connector 10. Thedovetail interlock between the button 48 and the side arm 14 providesstability and strength for the ejector arm and permits formation of theejector from a plastic material. The arms 14 and 16 are integrallyformed with the body 12, and the ejector button 48 is easily installedinto an end of arm 14 which reduces assembly costs. No rivets or pinsare needed to attach the ejector mechanism 36 to the button 48.

Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 6and 7. Those numbers referenced by numbers the same as FIGS. 1-5 performthe same or similar function. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, a twopiece actuator or button assembly 70 is provided. Button assembly 70includes a sliding part 72 formed to include a male dovetail 74 and anotch 76. Sliding part 72 also includes a mounting section 78 having arectangularly-shaped guide bar 80. Domed portions 82 are formed on topand bottom surfaces of guide bar 80 as best shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.Button assembly 70 further includes a press part 84 having an endsurface 86 configured to be pushed by an operator to eject a card 11.Press part 84 includes an opening having side slots 88 and a centralrectangular slot portion 90 configured to slide over an end 92 ofsliding part 72. Press part 84 includes spring arms 93 formed to includetop and bottom apertures 94 which are configured to slide over andreceive dome portions 82 on sliding part 72 to couple the press part 84to the sliding part 72 as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13. Press part 84includes lead in ramp surfaces 96 to facilitate installation of thepress part 84 over the end 92 of sliding part 72 in the direction ofarrows 98 in FIG. 12.

The two piece button assembly 70 simplifies the assembly process for thememory card header 10. The header 10 having the sliding part 72 coupledto the side arm 14 of plastic body 12 can be assembled on to the printedcircuit board either with or without the press part 84. Header 10includes split pegs 100 having fixed posts 102 and spring arms 104 toretain the header 10. Without the press part 84, the connector 10decreases space of a long button sticking out of the printed circuitboard. In addition, the press part 84 may be assembled after assemblingthe application a front panel of a device. The two piece button assembly70 provides more freedom in the total assembly process or sequence.

The two piece button assembly 70 further permits selecting differentpress part 84 configurations based on customer requests. Therefore,special button shapes, lengths, colors, textures, text, etc. may beprovided on the press part 84 while the sliding part 72 remains uniform.In other words, the sliding part 72 is a standard part for allconnectors while the press part 84 can be changed based on customerrequest.

The press part 84 is easily installed on the sliding part 72 by slidingit over the end 92 the sliding part 72 in the direction of arrows 98 ofFIG. 12. Top and bottom arms 93 ramp apart so that the arms slide overdomes 82. The arms 93 snap over the domes 82 when apertures 94 arealigned with the domes 82 to lock the press part 84 and the sliding part72 together. It is understood that the domes 82 may be formed on thepress part 84, if desired. In addition, another suitable detent or latchmay be used to secure the sliding part 72 to the press part 84. A clickindicates when the press part 84 is seated over the domes 82 of thesliding part 72. The press part 84 can be removed from the sliding part72 for disassembly or customer design change.

Illustratively, the press part 84 is formed from a thermoplasticmaterial with color, shape, length, texture being changed for customerrequests. The sliding part 72 is also a thermoplastic material and istypically a standard color. As discussed above, the press part 84 can beassembled on the sliding part 72 before assembly of the header connector10 on to the printed circuit board or after assembly of the headerconnector on to the printed circuit board. Other assembly sequences arepossible. The press part 84 also provides easy disassembly of the headerconnector 10.

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate further details of the pivoting movement of ejectormechanism 36. Plastic body 12 includes a lip portion 106 defining a gapabove surface 108 for receiving an end edge of the ejector mechanism 36.The lip 106 prevents the ejector mechanism 36 from slipping out ofposition or twisting during movement of the ejector mechanism 36. Thecam 46 of ejector mechanism 36 pivots within a curved portion 110 formedon header 10 configured to receive the cam 46. The radius of curvedportion 110 substantially matches the radius of cam 46. Curved orrounded portion 110 prevents the cam from slipping during actuation. Asthe ejector button 48 or 70 is pushed in the direction of arrow 62,ejector mechanism 36 pivots about the cam 46 in curved portion 110 tothe position shown in FIG. 9 to eject the card 11. Tab 42 pushes endedge 26 of the card outwardly in the direction of arrow 60 to eject thecard 11 from the header 10. A second curved portion 112 is provided incase the ejector mechanism is to be reversed with the button 48, 70 onthe second arm 16.

1. An actuator button apparatus for an electrical connector, theapparatus comprising: a first member coupled to the connector formovement relative to the connector to an actuation position; and apressing part coupled to the first member, the pressing part beingconfigured to be engaged by an operator to move the first member and thepressing part relative to the connector.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising an ejector mechanism coupled to the connector and thefirst member of the button, the ejector mechanism being configured toeject an electronic card from the connector upon movement of the firstmember and the pressing part relative to the connector.
 3. The apparatusof claim 1, further comprising at least one detent formed on one of thefirst member and the pressing part to secure the first member to thepressing part upon insertion of the pressing part on to the firstmember.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the detent includes a domedsurface formed on the first member which is configured to enter anaperture formed in the pressing part.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the pressing part includes first and second spaced apart springarms, each spring arm being formed to include an aperture therein, andthe first member includes upper and lower domed surfaces configured toenter the apertures in the spring arms upon insertion in the pressingpart on to the first member.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thefirst member is formed to include a guide bar, and the pressing part isformed to include a slot configured to slide over the guide bar of thefirst member to couple the pressing part to the first member.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein the guide bar and the slot each havegenerally rectangular shapes.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, furthercomprising a detent formed on one of the guide bar and the pressing partto secure the pressing part to the first member.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the pressing part includes a slot configured to slideover an end of the first member, pressing part including at least onelead-in ramp surface adjacent the slot to facilitate installation of thepressing part over the first member.